Cargo access specialist MacGregor reports that orders booked in December for 37 hatch cover ship sets for various projects have confirmed its leading position in the fast-expanding Chinese newbuilding industry

The latest contracts call for MacGregor design services and key components for lift-away and/or folding/side rolling hatch cover outfits for the following projects at Chinese yards:

Two 4,250 TEU container ships ordered by OOCL from the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard

Twelve 700 TEU multi-purpose carriers ordered by Gebrueder Winter from the Mawei Shipyard (continuing a series of nine ships already delivered to Gebrueder Winter and another owner, OPDR)

Four 17,300 dwt multi-purpose carriers ordered by Wagenborg from the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard

Six 174,000 dwt bulk carriers ordered by Transmed from Bohai Shipyard

A 51,000 dwt bulk carrier ordered by WEM Line from Zhejiang Shipyard

MacGregor says it is committed to sustaining its investment in design, production and aftermarket resources to support Chinese yards and domestic and export owners ordering newbuildings in the country. More than 50 people work in MacGregor's Shanghai office to serve and support local shipyards and design offices, and shipowners having ships built in China.

China's first purpose-built hatch cover factory resulted from a partnership forged in 1996/97 between MacGregor and Nantong Ocean Iron & Steel Company. Operated by Nantong COSCO Ship Steel Structure Co. with supervision by MacGregor specialists, the advanced facility on the River Yangtze about 120 km north west of Shanghai has excellent transport links to Chinese yards and overseas shipbuilding markets.

A turn-key service extends from project definition and design through manufacturing to commissioning and full after-sales support